University of Iowa's Bells To Toll For Fallen Soldiers

I was just reading a story on the Iowa Press-Citizen.com concerning the University of Iowa’s decision to ring the bell 59 times as a tribute to the number of Iowan’s that have died in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as honoring all who have died in past conflicts.
It will be rung at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, the 30th, which was the traditional Memorial Day from 1868 to 1971, until Congress passed the National Holiday Act, creating a three day weekend for federal holidays.
This decision was made after a Veteran’s group wrote a letter to the University Interim President approved the request and sent a letter to Governor Culver stating it would be an honor to show tribute to these fallen soldiers with the bell tolling.
I think this is wonderful as we owe these fallen heroes much more than a tolling bell, but I was happy to see this touching story. I know that tolling a bell does not take away the sorrow of the friends and family of these soldiers, but it does show that we honor them as well. I hope that the anti-war protestors will allow this to be a peaceful Memorial Day weekend all the way through to the tolling of the bells on wednesday, and allow these soldiers to be honored with the dignity and respect that they deserve. Then Thursday morning you should absolutely get right back to your protesting, for everyday you are trying to end the war before it is over, is another day you put a smile on Osama bin Laden’s face.
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend, with Respect and Honor to all who have died for our nation and to all our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, who are still in harm’s way throughout the world.


Bells to toll 59 times